Panic! at the Disco Step Back Into The Spotlight

Call it a re-introduction: in a one-off performance last night at New York City's Bowery Ballroom, Panic! At The Disco debuted new musicians and new music but stayed true to their cabaret-style motif and sound.

The band may be back in the spotlight promoting their latest album, Vices & Virtues, due March 29, but they opened the show in a fitting homage to the songs that made them famous–first, the defiant “The Only Difference Between Martydom and Suicide is Press Coverage,” followed by the burlesque coming-of-age tale, “But It’s Better When We Do.”

Despite losing founding members Ryan Ross and Jon Walker in 2009, the revamped Panic!, now comprised of singer Brendan Urie, drummer Spencer Smith and touring guitarist Ian Crawford and bassist Dallon Weekes, has gelled just as well in costume (all vests, bow ties and bangs) as they did in sound–tight and cohesive, the quartet’s harmonies were right on point.

“We hope you enjoy what we have in store,” Urie said before launching into Vices & Virtues‘ first single, “The Ballad of Mona Lisa,” released just yesterday. “It’s been a long time but goddamn I’m ready.” The band debuted two more new songs including “Let’s Kill Tonight,” an anthemic party track complete with a synth-heavy opener, wailing guitars and a poignant string section, and the Queen-inspired “Nearly Witches.”

Ever the charmer, Urie played the crowd like a pro–never mind the fact that he hasn’t set a foot onstage for two years. And yet his performance never seemed put on–in fact, for all his theatrics and snarky lyrics, the 23-year-old practically oozed sincerity. At one point, he literally wiped away tears and apologized, “I’m like a little boy. This has meant more to us than anything in the past two years.”

“You might think we have we have goals and ambitions, but it’s really all for you,” he addressed to the fans. “From the bottom, top and all around my heart, thank you.”